MORRISTOWN, N.J., Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Verizon Wireless announced today that its network in the Northeast is once again operating at pre-Hurricane Sandy levels and all locations of its corporate retail stores in the storm-affected area are open for business with the exception of the Wall Street location in Manhattan that sustained damage during the storm. The company is now shifting its focus to continuing to support local residents still recovering from the storm, as well as the agencies conducting relief efforts in the area.

"While the immediate effects of Hurricane Sandy and the winter storm that followed may have passed, the road to full recovery for many continues," said Nancy Clark, Verizon Wireless Northeast Area President. "With our network fully restored and our retail locations open and serving customers, it's now time to turn our attention to ensuring that local residents, communities and relief agencies continue to receive the support they need. I'm very proud of our employees' round-the-clock efforts to restore our network and their sustained support of our customers throughout one of the most devastating weather events the Northeast has seen. Now we all will work together to help our friends, families and neighbors rebuild their lives."
"Preparation paid off as 94 percent of our network in the Northeast remained in service through the storm," said Dave Heverling, Vice President of Network in the Northeast. "After the storm, our engineers worked 24/7 to bring the remaining sites back online to connect our customers and support relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas."
Providing emergency communications support
In support of local residents who may still be without power or other telecommunications services, Verizon Wireless has staged nine mobile device charging stations in the NY/NJ/PA area offering free device charging, domestic phone calls and Internet access. Those free services are also available at the company's retail locations. An updated listing of locations and services can be found here.

The company also deployed eight wireless emergency communications centers in the area to support emergency management offices, first responders, and other public safety organizations.

Supporting relief agencies
Verizon employees, Verizon Wireless customers and the Verizon Foundation have pledged nearly $5.9 million to date to support Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts. Customers can still make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999, and those who would like to give more can donate up to $50 via text. In addition, more than 6,700 Verizon employees have donated to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army through the Verizon Foundation's matching gifts program; the foundation has matched those donations two-for-one. For more on the Verizon Foundation's Sandy support, click here.

For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @vzwnews.

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 96 million retail customers, including 90.4 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 75,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.